HE local part-timers of Vauxhall Motors gave Tranmere Rovers just the kind of vigorous workout they were looking for in Saturday's friendly at Rivacre Park.

THE local part-timers of Vauxhall Motors gave Tranmere Rovers just the kind of vigorous workout they were looking for in Saturday's friendly at Rivacre Park.

The goalless game may not have generated a wealth of excitement for a crowd of just over 1,000 in the warm sunshine.

But the tight contest, in which the UniBond Premier Division team spared no effort and offered no quarter, provided Tranmere's professionals with a good deal more pre-season benefit than an easy fivegoal romp.

Tranmere paid Vauxhalls the compliment of fielding a starting line-up close to the one that put together a 15-game unbeaten run at the end of the last Division Two campaign.

Vauxhalls, for their part, effectively fielded two different teams by introducing nine players at half-time.

Their number included four former Tranmere players: goalkeeper Andy Ralph (released a year ago), defender Alan Griffiths and midfielder Gareth Hooper (both trainees released at the end of last season) and Jamie Hughes (a trainee with Tranmere during the mid 1990s).

Hughes had a chance to win the game for Vauxhalls when he ran clear in the last minute, only to be thwarted by the sharp reactions of Tranmere goalkeeper John Achterberg (pictured above).

The big Dutchman made a similar stop from Nicky Young in the 19th minute. Tranmere, though enjoying a greater share of possession and pressure, could not create goalscoring chances as clear as those two.

Motors manager Alvin McDonald was understandably pleased with the way his squad stood up to the challenge.

McDonald said: "We've played a pre-season fixture against Tranmere for the last five years and each summer they have fielded a stronger side against us than the last.

"This time they brought the full first team which is a compliment to us and the progress we've made here over the last few years.

"We held the side that finished as the form team in Division Two last season so that's got to be a morale-booster for our boys. Hopefully, Tranmere will think it's worthwhile playing us again next year.

"In terms of our own preparations, it was also very encouraging. This was our first pre-season game and training-wise Tranmere can do in a week what it takes us three weeks of part-time work."

Tranmere manager Ray Mathias made sure striker Simon Haworth and midfielder Gary Jones had full games in their first taste of pre-season action.

Haworth linked up with trialist Jonny Allen, who went close with a couple of 25 yard efforts and had a spectacular scissors kick in the first half. And Allen was unfortunate that his headed strike in the 10th minute was ruled out because referee Dave Stewart had whistled for Ryan Taylor's free-kick be re-taken.

Allen's bad luck continued five minutes after the restart when, closing down a clearance from Vauxhall's No 2 goalkeeper Steve Hilton, he was struck full in the face and knocked flat.

Allen was withdrawn to be replaced by Iain Hume, back from international duty with Canada, who carved out a couple of half chances, missing the target with one and bringing a save from Hilton with the other.

Tranmere kept their shape and composure in the second half when several personnel changes were made but their football lacked zip.